Eagan builder in spotlight for good deeds

Published December 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm

Eagan remodeler B2 Build Design assisted in a remodeling project that appeared on the Rachel Ray Show in November. The project consisted of a free kitchen remodel for a New Brighton family. The family received new appliances, custom cabinets, counter tops, a kitchen table and other amenities. – Photo submitted

An Eagan builder received some national attention last month after being contacted by a national celebrity for a remodeling project.

B2 Design Build assisted famed remodeler Carter Oosterhouse in a charity remodeling project in early November, which appeared on the Rachel Ray Show on Nov. 13.

“We felt it was a great thing to do for a family in need,” said B2 Design co-owner Bruce Schweich. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this since I do most of my work in Dakota County.”

The show’s producers had selected a New Brighton family to receive a free kitchen makeover worth $100,000 and asked B2 Design owners Schweich and Bart Ikens to help due to the company’s reputation and location. The two men immediately agreed and gathered a team of volunteers.

The homeowner, Tara Canfield, is a mother of eight children, most of whom have special needs. She had started to remodel her kitchen but ran out of funds.

The space was outdated, had little counter and cabinet space and was cramped for the large family.

The team had only five weeks to give the kitchen a complete makeover.

Prior to the remodeling project assisted by B2 Build Design, the Canfields’ New Brighton kitchen was small, cramped, had limited counter space and few cabinets. – Photo submitted

“It was the most intense weeks of my life,” Schweich said. “We usually spend five weeks planning.”

Once finished, the kitchen had new appliances, custom cabinets, counter tops, kitchen table and a new stairway leading to the room.

“The most rewarding part was being there when the homeowner saw it,” Schweich said. “It was awesome seeing the excitement in her and her family.”